Exploring the Scope of Probiotics to Combat Infectious and Nutritional Challenges across Africa

Abstract

Context and objectives:
Probiotics are garnering significant interest for the prevention and management of infectious and nutritional diseases in Africa, a continent where malnutrition, HIV, and respiratory or diarrheal infections remain formidable challenges. However, clinical data regarding the use of specific probiotic strains in African populations are rarely synthesized. This review aims to provide a thorough overview of the current state of knowledge on probiotic applications for human health in Africa.
Search strategy
A targeted literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using MeSH terms and free-text keywords on November 2025, with priority given to randomized controlled trials and pilot studies conducted in African populations
Clinical evidence and health impacts
The evidence demonstrates that specific probiotic strains significantly reduce the duration and severity of acute infantile diarrhea and promote the restoration of beneficial gut microbiota in malnourished children. Furthermore, probiotics show promise in modulating systemic immunity and managing urogenital infections. However, their impact on anthropometric growth and respiratory infections remain modest and inconsistent across studies. Notably, a critical finding suggests that certain strains might increase HIV vulnerability by elevating activated endocervical CD4+ receptors.
Future Outlook: Probiotics represent a potent, low-cost therapeutic avenue for Africa, yet current data are insufficient to support generalized clinical guidelines.